Fujita jury set to resume deliberations this morning

The jury deciding the Nathaniel Fujita case failed to reach a verdict on Wednesday after six hours of deliberation.

By Norman Miller/Daily News staff

MetroWest Daily News, Framingham, MA

By Norman Miller/Daily News staff

Posted Mar. 7, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Mar 7, 2013 at 7:05 AM

By Norman Miller/Daily News staff

Posted Mar. 7, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Mar 7, 2013 at 7:05 AM

WOBURN

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The jury deciding the Nathaniel Fujita case failed to reach a verdict on Wednesday after six hours of deliberation.

The Middlesex Superior Court jury of eight men and six women is scheduled to resume deliberations today at 9 a.m.

Fujita, 20, is charged with first-degree murder, two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and assault and battery.

Fujita is accused of killing his ex-girlfriend, Lauren Astley, 18, at his 108 West Plain St., Wayland home on July 3, 2011.

The jury began deliberating around 9:30 a.m. and sent a note to Judge Peter Lauriat asking to be dismissed for the day at 3:30 p.m.

The jury had heard nearly three weeks of testimony from more than 30 witness. More than 240 pieces of evidence were submitted during the trial.

Prosecutor Lisa McGovern said Fujita, who was 18 at the time, killed Astley in a rage, angry that she had broken up with him.

McGovern said Fujita lured the young woman to his garage where he first strangled her with a bungee cord and then repeatedly slashed her throat.

He then dumped her Jeep Cherokee at the nearby town beach. McGovern said Fujita then hid Astley's body in a marshy area off Water Row. A a bird watcher discovered the girl's body the following day.

Fujita's lawyer, William Sullivan, acknowledged that Fujita killed Astley, but said it wasn't murder. Instead, Sullivan said Fujita was in the midst of a major depressive disorder and suffered a psychotic break, which led to him killing Astley.

Sullivan is seeking a not guilty due to a lack of criminal responsibility, also known as the insanity defense.

Along with a first-degree murder conviction or a finding of not guilty by reason of insanity, the jury also has the option of second-degree murder or not guilty.

Fujita faces life in prison without the possibility of parole if found guilty of the first-degree murder charge.